One of the most common things we hear every spring is:
"Should I stop my laser treatments for summer?"
The answer is almost always no.
In fact, many of our clients continue their laser hair removal treatments all summer long while enjoying vacations, lake days, golf, patios, and outdoor activities. The key is understanding how sun exposure affects laser treatments and planning accordingly.
It's Not About Skin Colour
Many people assume laser treatments become unsafe simply because their skin appears darker in the summer.
The reality is that we're much more concerned with recent UV exposure than skin colour alone.
When your skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) become activated. Recently sun-exposed skin is more reactive to laser energy, which can increase the risk of unwanted side effects and affect treatment safety.
This means someone with naturally deeper skin who has been diligent with sun protection may be a better candidate for treatment than someone with lighter skin who spent the weekend tanning.
The Simple Rule We Follow
For most clients, we recommend:
☀️ Avoid intentional sun exposure for approximately 2 weeks before treatment.
☀️ Avoid intentional sun exposure for approximately 2 weeks after treatment.
☀️ Wear protective clothing whenever possible.
☀️ Apply a quality mineral sunscreen daily.
At Vita Beauty Bar, we love Colorescience mineral SPF because it provides broad-spectrum protection while helping keep skin protected between treatments.
What Counts as Sun Exposure?
We're primarily concerned about intentional UV exposure such as:
- Sunbathing
- Beach days
- Lake days
- Outdoor tanning
- Extended periods in direct sunlight
Normal day-to-day activities such as walking to your car, running errands, or brief outdoor exposure are typically not the same concern.
When in doubt, ask. We'd much rather assess your situation before your appointment than have you guessing.
The Best Areas to Treat All Summer
The easiest laser treatments to continue throughout the summer are often areas that rarely see the sun.
These include:
- Underarms
- Brazilian
- Bikini Line
Because these areas are generally covered year-round, sun exposure is rarely an issue, making them excellent treatment areas during the summer months.
Planning Around Vacations
Going away doesn't mean you need to pause your laser journey.
Many clients simply schedule treatments before or after vacations to allow for the recommended sun-free window. A little planning goes a long way toward maintaining your treatment schedule while still enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Not Sure If You're Safe to Treat?
Every client, vacation, and lifestyle is different.
If you've recently been in the sun, have a tan developing, or aren't sure whether an area is safe to treat, reach out to our team. We'll happily guide you and determine the safest timeline for your next appointment.
With proper planning, quality sun protection, and a little communication, laser hair removal can remain part of your routine all summer long.